A burst water main has sparked traffic 'mayhem' today, on the first day of the school holidays.

Police are in Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, after the leak at around 6.30am - but the problem has still not been fixed and officials say the road could still be shut into this evening.

Canterbury Road is the main route into the town and drivers are complaining of heavy congestion, with around 60 homes without water on one of the hottest days of the year so far.

A police spokesman said: "There has been an issue with flooding in Canterbury Road, Herne Bay.

"Police have been in attendance to deal with road closures and diversions, but the problems and possible causes of the flooding are being dealt with by Highways and Southeast Water."

South East Water say that around 60 properties were without water or with a low water pressure, but supplies should now have returned.

South East Water’s regional distribution manager Stuart Whisby said: “We were alerted to a problem in Canterbury Road, Herne Bay shortly before 6.30am this morning.

“Our technician found a six inch diameter cast iron water main had burst and for safety the road has had to be closed and will remain so until the surface is fully repaired.

“Our teams are on site and working as quickly as possible. The burst water pipe has been repaired and we believe most customers should have had their supplies returned."

A bottled water station was set up for anyone without water.

Councillor Andrew Cook who witnessed the congestion this morning said most of Herne Bay was 'mayhem'.

He said: "It does look like it is calming down now but this morning has been mayhem.

"It has caused chaos on the first day of the holidays." - Cllr Andrew Cook

"It is the first day of the school holidays, the sun is out and the town is really busy, with lots of people coming to town from outside of the area to go to the beach.

"The Oyster Festival has kicked off too and they seem to have a shortage of parking spaces in Whitstable so the coaches have been trying to find parking spaces in Herne Bay.

"There is no parking left in Mortimer Street and there is ongoing problems in Station Road so with this water main problem in the main artery into Herne Bay, it hasn't been a fun morning for drivers.

"It has caused chaos on the first day of the holidays."

South East Water say that if anyone is concerned about a vulnerable family member or neighbour, call the emergency 24-hour number on 0333 000 1100.

Anyone who spots a leak when they are out and about can report it to South East Water on 0333 000 3330.